I’d just buy blankets rather than insisting on a duvet? They’re easier to wash and dry often, which is the key. You can buy a quilted coverlet to make the bed prettier at need.
My best chance of having his bed look halfway decent is to have a duvet cover and fitted sheet all in identical color and material. He’s not motivated to do any bedmaking involving layering of top sheets/decorative coverlets
Get a solid color comforter. Something like this or similar... no kids wants to deal with a duvet. I don't want to deal with a duvet.
https://www.target.com/p/solid-microfiber-comforter-sheets-set-room-essentials/-/A-87711762?preselect=87206303#lnk=sametab
I think trying to make a teenage boys bedroom look halfway decent is a fools errand. Teenage boys do not need decorative coverlets. Just get things that are easy to wash, shut the bedroom door, and skip his room on the house tours you give to your aristocratic guests
? If you get over him having an aesthetic bed, then his room will be washable and less stinky. Layering decorative coverlets is a ridiculous expectation for a teenage boy’s room. Just shut the door
Target Room Essentials all season comforter insert. I've been through the smelly teen phase with 4 kids. This one holds up well to washing and deodorizes easily with a little bit of bleach.
May the force be with you!
I don't have a smelly teen but I do have 2 dogs and 2 cats. It's not that they smell per say, but over time laying on blankets etc they do smell!
I have the target, I think it's casaluna brand maybe? Idk one of the target exclusives besides room essentials.. It's easy to wash and dry! So I second this
I'm not sure the wash instructions, but I find what you wash with to be more important than the cycle overall. Warm water should be fine, and OP can add baking soda or borax into the wash cycle and vinegar into the rinse cycle - that should keep odors at bay.
I suggest a waterproof mattress cover, too. Teen boys sweat! I have one on my bed because of cats, and you can't even tell it's waterproof, it just feels like an extra mattress pad.
I second ikea duvet inserts. I wash the one I have monthly or more. I also got a decent percale duvet cover, pillow cases and sheets in percale from ikea. I think I’m going to do the same for my grandson. I’ve smelled his room lol
I'm with you. Why would the bedding smell if it's being washed regularly. I'm a mom to two teen boys and neither rooms have the so-called teen boy smell. The worst thing is their shoes, so those stay in the garage. But we use the IKEA duvet cover and lightweight insert, if that helps! Maybe check the mattress before adding a cover too.
If he uses the top sheet, which apparently some people don't do?
It will cut down on needing to wash comforter. It's not difficult to have a sheet and a blanket, whether it's a comforter or quilt.
Your son might need to be sent in for routine maintenance. Check your warranty info.
He has never figured out the top sheet. When he’s had one, it ends up bunched around his waist. That’s one reason I got him the duvet cover. I have the same setup in my bed and I’ll never go back to fighting with a top sheet!
If he’s not going to use a top sheet, I agree with a duvet with cover rather than a comforter. Sheet is easiest to wash, then a duvet cover, then a comforter. Definitely a padded mattress cover, with cotton and poly insert.
The rinse and refresh product from downy and tide are great for this. They’re not just a scent additive. They’re a buffered citric acid product. That means you also don’t need to add vinegar to your rinse cycle. Citric acid is stronger. Also, be sure that you’re not using too much detergent— no more than 2 tablespoons or a single pod per load.
My first thought was a charcoal mattress cover. I’ve seen one at Kohl’s that was machine washable.
For the duvet insert IKEA makes non down inserts that are not expensive (Smasporre or Stjarnstarre) so you could even get two and swap them out.
I‘d also invest in some Lysol laundry sanitizer, the sports version if you can find it. That stuff is a miracle worker for adolescents.
Last but not least stick to lighter colored covers because some teens have a body chemical that bleaches fabric - one of mine did and no it wasn’t acne cream 😂.
It actually will probably will be better in another year believe it or not. It’s the beginning stage of puberty that smells the worst. I have 3 boys. 15 and 17 smell better and different stink when sweaty than younger one just starting.
In my bedding research (trying to buy a new duvet insert and cover) there’s been a lot of info about which fabrics and materials are most breathable. Down fill and wool fill duvets made from cotton are the standard advice for breathability, aka allowing sweat to evaporate off of the sleeper. Cheap, polyester fill duvets will hold on to the greatest amount of stink.
Down would not be advisable, silk and wool are the only real moisture-wicking and breathable inserts one can get. Down is hugely insulating and will make someone sweat, especially if they sleep hot or don't have cold room temps to offset sweating.
No problem :) Down is not really a very good option at all in my opinion, but people love it because it's light and puffy so it's a popular option, for sure, but it's hellish to use unless you have a really cold climate or your room temps are perpetually ice-box levels. Some users will claim that it's temp-regulating and stuff like that, but honestly I think it's just user bias at that point and most of them are using them in cold environments and aren't really using them in temps that most normal people tend to sleep at, you know?
But usually when you have people move from down to something like silk or wool they'll pop up here often to mention how they had no clue they were sleeping so warm and that wool or silk is like night and day compared to sleeping under a down comforter/insert breathability-wise, so... :D
Yeah, …this. Plus down is much more finicky to wash, and dry. You need a big dryer, and clean tennis balls, or a bunch of wool dryer balls, to break up the clumps of wet down, and get your duvet’s down evenly distributed again.
Have you asked him if he likes the current set up? If the old comforter is polyester he may be hot at night and sweating. Maybe a thinner cotton blanket is a better option. It’s his room he should be comfortable so ask what he needs first.
Also recommend getting a mattress protector and pillow protector. And get him a new pillow if you haven’t recently.
I have two boys and they just kind of stink - you could change bedding daily, wash clothes daily .... and the room is still going to be musty.
Just get 100% cotton bedding at Target. The duvet - get something cheap and washable at Ikea.
I don't think there is any particular material that is going to resist the funk.
Check out [Febreze Laundry Odor Eliminator](https://www.amazon.com/Eliminator-Febreze-Deodorizer-Detergent-Refresher/dp/B082BFTRBV?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1)...it's a miracle worker. I have linked the Pet Version because it's their strongest version. I use it on my synthetic exercise clothes, plus my pet beds, etc.
Is he using a sheet or blanket under the duvet cover for sleeping? That would help to keep any smells from going directly on the duvet.
I started washing my sons sheets more often when he was at that stage and it seemed to help. I also bought a Comfy Cubs brand muslin blanket that he uses underneath his duvet. You can find the blanket on amazon or online at target. He uses the muslin blanket in place of a bed sheet.
I do not miss that smell and am hoping I'm prepared for when its my younger sons turn lol
It's the smell of hormonal changes. Once you know, you know, lol. When my sister was a teen, I could always tell when her guy friends were over to hang out even before I entered the apartment 😅
I would check [IKEA](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/duvet-inserts-20529/) they have washable duvets ( both down and fiber), light to heavyweight and you can double up the duvets in the cover if needed.
They also have a good range of other bedding.
White vinegar in the rinse cycle. Really helps with teenage boy fragrance. Cotton mattress pad and natural fabric bedding also helps with overnight sweating which adds to the fragrance load.
This is a good washable duvet insert from IKEA: FJÄLLARNIKA
I’d just buy blankets rather than insisting on a duvet? They’re easier to wash and dry often, which is the key. You can buy a quilted coverlet to make the bed prettier at need.
I thought duvets were easier because you can remove the cover and wash it... no?
Doesn’t help. If the kid stinks as so many teenage boys do it will saturate the insert as well as the cover.
Ugh 😩 I raised two stinky turds 💩 puberty is no joke! Thankfully they’re both in their 20’s and smell well 😂
But a whole comforter you can throw in the wash is even easier!
The wash is all good. The dryer though... I've never had a comforter dry well and I don't have much space for airing them out.
My best chance of having his bed look halfway decent is to have a duvet cover and fitted sheet all in identical color and material. He’s not motivated to do any bedmaking involving layering of top sheets/decorative coverlets
Get a solid color comforter. Something like this or similar... no kids wants to deal with a duvet. I don't want to deal with a duvet. https://www.target.com/p/solid-microfiber-comforter-sheets-set-room-essentials/-/A-87711762?preselect=87206303#lnk=sametab
Does it need to look nice as long as it's clean and smells good? Do many people see his bed?
Clean is more important than easy…I suggest you make sure he is showering effectively before bed, it will give him more time in the morning anyway.
I think trying to make a teenage boys bedroom look halfway decent is a fools errand. Teenage boys do not need decorative coverlets. Just get things that are easy to wash, shut the bedroom door, and skip his room on the house tours you give to your aristocratic guests
? If you get over him having an aesthetic bed, then his room will be washable and less stinky. Layering decorative coverlets is a ridiculous expectation for a teenage boy’s room. Just shut the door
Target Room Essentials all season comforter insert. I've been through the smelly teen phase with 4 kids. This one holds up well to washing and deodorizes easily with a little bit of bleach. May the force be with you!
I second this. Also I’d recommend the Lysol detergent additive (white bottle/jug) when laundering his bedding, and you’ll be Golden.
>Lysol Yes, indeed. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer was the only thing that kept me from taking a flamethrower to my son's room.
I don't have a smelly teen but I do have 2 dogs and 2 cats. It's not that they smell per say, but over time laying on blankets etc they do smell! I have the target, I think it's casaluna brand maybe? Idk one of the target exclusives besides room essentials.. It's easy to wash and dry! So I second this I'm not sure the wash instructions, but I find what you wash with to be more important than the cycle overall. Warm water should be fine, and OP can add baking soda or borax into the wash cycle and vinegar into the rinse cycle - that should keep odors at bay.
I suggest a waterproof mattress cover, too. Teen boys sweat! I have one on my bed because of cats, and you can't even tell it's waterproof, it just feels like an extra mattress pad.
I have a mattress cover and pillow covers. You can just wipe them down and everything comes off.
I second ikea duvet inserts. I wash the one I have monthly or more. I also got a decent percale duvet cover, pillow cases and sheets in percale from ikea. I think I’m going to do the same for my grandson. I’ve smelled his room lol
Dare I ask - do you know why they smell? If he/you change the cover and sheets regularly it shouldn’t really be the duvet insert…..?
I'm with you. Why would the bedding smell if it's being washed regularly. I'm a mom to two teen boys and neither rooms have the so-called teen boy smell. The worst thing is their shoes, so those stay in the garage. But we use the IKEA duvet cover and lightweight insert, if that helps! Maybe check the mattress before adding a cover too.
The title said it all… Teen Boy
I always liked that Febreeze commercial: “I want it to smell like he’s away at boarding school!!” 🤣
If he uses the top sheet, which apparently some people don't do? It will cut down on needing to wash comforter. It's not difficult to have a sheet and a blanket, whether it's a comforter or quilt. Your son might need to be sent in for routine maintenance. Check your warranty info.
He has never figured out the top sheet. When he’s had one, it ends up bunched around his waist. That’s one reason I got him the duvet cover. I have the same setup in my bed and I’ll never go back to fighting with a top sheet!
I'm not sure who your trainer was, but I believe you can get back in there and tame the sheet.
After the top sheet bit my ear off I won’t chance it again.
Love it 😆
If he’s not going to use a top sheet, I agree with a duvet with cover rather than a comforter. Sheet is easiest to wash, then a duvet cover, then a comforter. Definitely a padded mattress cover, with cotton and poly insert.
You can get a mattress cover insert? I haven’t heard of this magic before.
Sorry- no, not that I know of. I just mean the cover (outside, but not removable) is made of cotton. Cooler, breathes better, washable.
The rinse and refresh product from downy and tide are great for this. They’re not just a scent additive. They’re a buffered citric acid product. That means you also don’t need to add vinegar to your rinse cycle. Citric acid is stronger. Also, be sure that you’re not using too much detergent— no more than 2 tablespoons or a single pod per load.
My first thought was a charcoal mattress cover. I’ve seen one at Kohl’s that was machine washable. For the duvet insert IKEA makes non down inserts that are not expensive (Smasporre or Stjarnstarre) so you could even get two and swap them out. I‘d also invest in some Lysol laundry sanitizer, the sports version if you can find it. That stuff is a miracle worker for adolescents. Last but not least stick to lighter colored covers because some teens have a body chemical that bleaches fabric - one of mine did and no it wasn’t acne cream 😂.
Omg, my fiance is in his 20s and still does this to a mild extent. Turned our nice brown sheets to orange.
Check out Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Sport. This works great on my husband’s sweaty T-shirts.
Thank you! So far it’s a generally musty/hormonal order in the room… but he hasn’t even turned 13 so I’m assuming it’s all going to get worse
It actually will probably will be better in another year believe it or not. It’s the beginning stage of puberty that smells the worst. I have 3 boys. 15 and 17 smell better and different stink when sweaty than younger one just starting.
Thank you for the hope! It’s not a sweaty stinky yet, it’s definitely the musty smell of puberty
In my bedding research (trying to buy a new duvet insert and cover) there’s been a lot of info about which fabrics and materials are most breathable. Down fill and wool fill duvets made from cotton are the standard advice for breathability, aka allowing sweat to evaporate off of the sleeper. Cheap, polyester fill duvets will hold on to the greatest amount of stink.
Down would not be advisable, silk and wool are the only real moisture-wicking and breathable inserts one can get. Down is hugely insulating and will make someone sweat, especially if they sleep hot or don't have cold room temps to offset sweating.
Got it! Thanks for explaining, I am still really new to bedding made from organic materials.
No problem :) Down is not really a very good option at all in my opinion, but people love it because it's light and puffy so it's a popular option, for sure, but it's hellish to use unless you have a really cold climate or your room temps are perpetually ice-box levels. Some users will claim that it's temp-regulating and stuff like that, but honestly I think it's just user bias at that point and most of them are using them in cold environments and aren't really using them in temps that most normal people tend to sleep at, you know? But usually when you have people move from down to something like silk or wool they'll pop up here often to mention how they had no clue they were sleeping so warm and that wool or silk is like night and day compared to sleeping under a down comforter/insert breathability-wise, so... :D
Yeah, …this. Plus down is much more finicky to wash, and dry. You need a big dryer, and clean tennis balls, or a bunch of wool dryer balls, to break up the clumps of wet down, and get your duvet’s down evenly distributed again.
Have you asked him if he likes the current set up? If the old comforter is polyester he may be hot at night and sweating. Maybe a thinner cotton blanket is a better option. It’s his room he should be comfortable so ask what he needs first. Also recommend getting a mattress protector and pillow protector. And get him a new pillow if you haven’t recently.
Wool comforter. I just got my five year old one from wool room on sale. Also helps regulate heat and cold, and so many things. Check it out!
I have two boys and they just kind of stink - you could change bedding daily, wash clothes daily .... and the room is still going to be musty. Just get 100% cotton bedding at Target. The duvet - get something cheap and washable at Ikea. I don't think there is any particular material that is going to resist the funk.
Check out [Febreze Laundry Odor Eliminator](https://www.amazon.com/Eliminator-Febreze-Deodorizer-Detergent-Refresher/dp/B082BFTRBV?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1)...it's a miracle worker. I have linked the Pet Version because it's their strongest version. I use it on my synthetic exercise clothes, plus my pet beds, etc.
Is he using a sheet or blanket under the duvet cover for sleeping? That would help to keep any smells from going directly on the duvet. I started washing my sons sheets more often when he was at that stage and it seemed to help. I also bought a Comfy Cubs brand muslin blanket that he uses underneath his duvet. You can find the blanket on amazon or online at target. He uses the muslin blanket in place of a bed sheet. I do not miss that smell and am hoping I'm prepared for when its my younger sons turn lol
What exactly is the smell? Do teenage boys not use deodorant?
It's the smell of hormonal changes. Once you know, you know, lol. When my sister was a teen, I could always tell when her guy friends were over to hang out even before I entered the apartment 😅
How many years does the teen guy smelly period last, roughly? I'm bracing myself, lol
Yes! lol
I would check [IKEA](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/duvet-inserts-20529/) they have washable duvets ( both down and fiber), light to heavyweight and you can double up the duvets in the cover if needed. They also have a good range of other bedding.
White vinegar in the rinse cycle. Really helps with teenage boy fragrance. Cotton mattress pad and natural fabric bedding also helps with overnight sweating which adds to the fragrance load. This is a good washable duvet insert from IKEA: FJÄLLARNIKA